The University of the Fraser Valley

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) was established in 1974. It was once known as the University College of the Fraser Valley, and its population has grown to the extent that it is now considered as one of the biggest university colleges in Canada today. ... continued below

About The University of the Fraser Valley

Campus: Facilities, Residence and Location

There are six campuses at the university: Abbotsford, Agassiz, Chilliwack, Hope, Mission, and Chandgarh, India. Abbotsford is the first campus that was built inside the main grounds. Agassiz is an informational centre that is managed by the Fraser-Cascade School District. Chilliwack was not designed to be a permanent campus. However, it still stands today, as it has undergone some renovations over the past few years. Today, it now gives courses on drama, nursing, philosophy, business, computer information systems, early childhood development, and agriculture. Hope is a regional centre, and Chandrgarh, India is a joint partnership between UFV and Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College Chandigarh (affiliate of Punjab University) for teaching Bachelor of Business Administration to Indian students studying in Chandigarh, India. The campus offers student housing, and first year students can take advantage of living near the campus. Their residence, named the Baker House is situated on the Abbotsford campus, and it can presently fill in 204 rooms for incoming students.

Student Services and Student Life

The University of the Fraser Valley wants to provide students the best possible academic and personal experiences. Some of these services include Aboriginal Access Services, Counselling Services, Director's Office, Disability Services, Educational Advising, Financial Aid and Awards, Counselling Services, Media Technology, Food Services, Financial Aid, Tutoring, Student Affairs, Student Life, Lost and Found and Student Housing. There are also Career Centres and Campus Wellness and Recreation Services. The official radio station of the campus is CIVL Radio, its newsroom is UFV News, and their official newspaper is the Cascade Student Newspaper.

The biggest and most influential student union in the university is the UFV Student Union Society. Every September, the Student Union holds an annual event called Dis-O, or Disorientation. This is a gathering of popular bands, and everyone is encouraged to join this event. New students might feel overwhelmed over the number of clubs and associations available in the campus. One good suggestion is to go to the Student Lounge. Here, students can find a ping pong table, air hockey, foosball, and a well-equipped kitchen that contains the basic stove, fridge, and microwave oven. They will surely meet students who can help them find their way around. Students who want to know where to start when trying to choose the clubs they want to join to are given an orientation by a student at the University House. There are plenty of officer-students who can give them a lot of advise on where to find any of their interest, whether it be drop-in-sports, fitness classes, or intramural leagues and sports.

Students who prefer a lot of sports and activity can find haven at the Campus Recreation and Wellness due to its many varied activities, such as the Intramural Sports Program, SOLAR (Student Outdoor Life and Recreation), and the Recreational Program. The Intramural Sports Program offers a lot of sporting activities to everyone, and students of all levels of expertise can use this program not just to stay fit, healthy and stress-free; they can also use this as an avenue for getting to know people and making friends. SOLAR is an outdoor club that gives regular outdoor activities to students -- from mountain climbing, kayaking, or skiing. The Recreational Program is dependent on student interest. It revolves around the health and well-being of the student. Previous activities include fitness classes, yoga, tai chi, martial arts, dancing, running and walking clubs.

Rankings

Globe and Mail's Canadian University Report in 2008 ranked UFV as the "Top Public University" for "overall quality education, quality of teaching, most satisfied students, best student-faculty interaction, and best career preparation." It was also ranked among the top universities with the smallest class size, highest quality of education, excellent quality of teaching, most satisfied students, ease of registration, course variety/availability, and best library facilities.

Abbotsford Information

Abbotsford is a Canadian city in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, adjacent to Greater Vancouver. It is the 5th largest municipality in British Columbia and the 37th largest in Canada. Nestled in the shadow of majestic Mt. Baker, in the heart of the Fraser Valley, you will find Abbotsford, British Columbia. Visiting Abbotsford introduces you to an eclectic blend of modern urban style and friendly country living.

Approximately 92% of employed residents work in the city or in neighbouring communities. Agriculture is Abbotsford's main industry, followed closely by transportation, manufacturing and retail. There is also a small, but growing aerospace industry led by Conair Group Inc., and Cascade Aerospace. Abbotsford also is home to three federal prisons, each of which employs between 200 and 500 officers and support staff.